christmas

One of my holiday quirks is feeling an inordinate amount of sadness when after December 25, curbs morph into a mass gravesite for discarded Christmas trees. It breaks my heart in a way that has caused me to tear up and take the long route back to my apartment to avoid seeing our once-loved fir out there with the garbage. This is weird, I know, but it's my burden to bear. Now, thanks to a report in the Daily Mail, I'm feeling a little less torn-up about everything. A photo posted by Linton Zoo (@lintonzoo) on Jan 1, 2015 at 6:52am PST Lions at the U.K.'s Linton Zoo are receiving trees as belated holiday gifts, with zookeepers explaining the trees contain a form of catnip and can entertain the big cats for hours. Additional donated trees are used in a bio-burner to provide heat to the buildings, while those with roots left are being replanted in a meadow or the area that's home to the zoo's snowy owls. I'm kind of in love with this whole idea and know if I were anywhere close by, we'd be in the car with our tree right now. What do you think? How read more

Every family's got at least one: Whether it's a crazy cousin, a drunken uncle, or a kooky grandparent, there's always someone who adds a little excitement to the family dynamics. And since the holidays are about a lot of together time, your family's eccentricities can become especially apparent this time of year. Rather than throwing back excessive amounts of eggnog to help deal, escape the dysfunction for some fictional family drama with these 12 Christmas classics (all available on Amazon). Eggnog optional. Christmas With the Kranks Leave it to a family named the Kranks to try to skip Christmas (no way the Kringles would let that fly). Elf At the root of this Will Ferrell classic are some pretty serious Daddy issues (the "Get out of my life—now!" rant broke my heart)—but nothing Santa Claus can't handle. Everybody's Fine All this dad (Robert De Niro) wants is for his grown children to come home for Christmas—but when they won't come, he goes to them. (Warning: This one's a tearjerker.) Four Christmases If your brothers are not UFC fighters, your mom isn't dating your best friend, and your niece doesn't nearly kill you in a bouncy house—you're already having a better read more

Holiday songs are running rampant on just about every easy-listening station right now, but there's an art to picking the very best ones for your Christmas or Hanukkah party. So which ones are bound to put you and your guests in a good mood? Just tell them DJs Pratt, Greenfield, and Heigl advised you. Katherine Heigl: "Silver Bells." There’s something really magical about it. And "Baby, It’s Cold Outside." Chris Pratt: "Silent Night." It just brings me back. It’s not corny, and it’s just a beautiful song. Alyssa Milano: "Little Drummer Boy" and "Silent Night." Max Greenfield: The Adam Sandler Hanukkah song because he made Hanukkah cool! Gavin DeGraw: “I’ll Be Home for Christmas." I love that song, and it’s an underrated classic. Also, "The Christmas Song," about the chestnuts.” LL Cool J: I love Nat King Cole and chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Amber Riley: “O, Holy Night," "Silent Night," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "Little Drummer Boy," "All I Want for Christmas" pretty much every Mariah Carey album! Chris O’Donnell: I love Christmas carols and get really into the holidays. I love Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas.” When I was a kid, I loved “Santa read more

Whether you're spending the holidays visiting family, hanging out with friends, or catching up on some much-needed "me" time, chances are at some point you'll find yourself scrolling through Netflix, HBO GO, or Hulu Plus, digging through the family DVD collection, or furiously googling what to watch. Chill—we've got you covered. Here are some good options, no matter whom you're watching with: If you're with your boyfriend, husband, brother, etc... If your parents or kids aren't around, now's the time to watch those R-rated favorites. Comedy is usually a crowd-pleaser, so movies like Bad Santa or holiday TV episodes of Family Guy or It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia are a good bet. Not feeling funny? Go for an action flick (with a holiday setting) like Die Hard or In Bruges. I also recommend The Nightmare Before Christmas. It's too creepy for kids, and your parents might not be into it, but it's a favorite for many people in their 20s and 30s. If you're with your parents... Unless you have one of those families where you can say anything, I'd say it's best to avoid awkward moments and skip any movies that have a nudity scene, drug use, major violence, read more

In the wise words of Buddy the Elf, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." With that sentiment in mind, I pulled together 37 (12+25...get it?) of my favorite holiday tunes—from old-school classics to a capella remakes—to help jump-start your festive spirits this Christmas Eve. Sing-alongs are optional but nearly impossible to resist after just a few minutes of listening. Have a wonderful holiday, everyone! What's your favorite Christmas tune? read more

We've thrown a collective 125-plus beauty gift ideas your way these past few weeks, and we love each and every one of them and know your giftees will too. But if you've got a few women left on your list, there's one new fragrance that everyone from your teenage niece to your great-aunt will adore. Gucci Première Eau de Toilette, $78 for 1.6 oz. at macys.com The lighter take on the original Gucci Première is composed of citrus, floral, and musky notes that smelled incredible on every single one of our testers. It's fresh without being too fruity, floral without being too sweet, and musky without being too masculine. Another selling point for the younger set? Blake Lively is the face. And for the more, shall we say, discerning recipient? Let her know that she's getting a big dose of Gucci brand heritage in one little bottle. There's the iconic horse-bit charm, and she'll instantly recognize the interlocking G's on the box. Let her know that pattern is known as Diamante—we bet she'll be impressed. Another piece of trivia? The Gucci signature on the box and bottle is that of Guccio Gucci, the man who founded the brand. And just read more

Beth and Petra already told you the beauty products they desperately want for the holidays, and today is my turn! So Beauty Gods, Santa, Hanukkah Harry, Husband, Dog, Family, here's what's on my 2014 list: I love the idea of passing down jewelry and china to future generations, but I love the idea of applying the concept to beauty products even more. Enter Krigler's Limited-Edition Chateau Krigler 12 bottle. Grace Kelly once wore the fragrance, and the holiday bottle is beyond beautiful. Yes, the price tag is steep—even though it is refillable—but how great would this be to give to your daughter on her 16th birthday or for her wedding?! Limited-Edition Chateau Krigler 12 bottle, $765, krigler.com Every time I walk into a Muji store, I feel instantly calmer. I finally figured out it has to do with the diffusers they place throughout the store. Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser, $69.50, muji.com/us No matter how many face wipes I try, I always come back to the Yes to Cucumber ones. And I never have enough. Yes to Cucumbers Facial Wipes, $8.16 for 45 wipes, target.com So we've established I'm a bit of a fragrance fanatic. I'm also a Christmas fanatic. This giant read more

There's a lot to love about the holidays: delicious cookies, gifts with pretty bows, festive parties, garland—of course, garland—strung along bannisters and door frames. But...um...who's baking all that chocolate chip goodness? Who shopped for the gifts and creased the shiny red paper perfectly at the corners of the box? Who RSVP-ed to those party invites and made the most amazing spinach dip ever? A woman, that's who—judging from women's spiking stress levels around the holidays. "Somebody pour me some mulled wine. Oh, for goodness sake. Do I need to do that too?" According to research by the American Psychological Association, only a quarter of women say they actually get to relax during the holidays, and 44 percent report higher stress levels between Thanksgiving and Christmas. A less scientific national survey by Tamara Eaton Design found that 72 percent of women plan to decorate their homes this holiday. "American women in particular were stressed about mess in the home, the cost of decorating, and lack of time," said Eaton in a news release. An Australian poll quantified the difference between how much men and women prep for the holidays: Women clock 83 hours, on average, shopping, cooking, planning parties, decorating, and read more

Actress and singer Vanessa Williams is one of the most iconic and enduring pop culture figures in America—she was the first African American woman to win the Miss America title (in 1983) and has graced our country's silver and small screens pretty much nonstop ever since in movies and shows such as Soul Food, Ugly Betty, and Desperate Housewives. Fun fact: Did you know that Vanessa Williams is the voice of Ms. Brown, the brown M&M? I caught up with Williams this morning in New York City, where she visited the Times Square M&M's store to celebrate the relaunch of M&M's Crispy, which return to shelves this January. We talked about her family's holiday traditions—Williams just got engaged this fall, congratulations!—and how to give back this holiday season. On her family's holiday traditions: I've been a mother for a long time—my oldest is 27 years old—so there are a lot of things I do to try to carry over traditions from when I grew up to my own kids and family. For Christmas Eve, we go to church—usually the 5:15 mass—and come back, have lasagna, and the kids are allowed to open one gift. And then on Christmas day they read more

Still got a bit of the decking-of-halls to do? Eh, lots of us do, so no worries—and, besides, you can always call on these cool, not-the-ordinary options to boost your Christmas spirit. Love these pretty lights by makinglemonade (who has tons of other gorgeous ideas!): Are these short days and long nights getting you down? Let your light SHINE, baby! 25 clever ways to get your home glowing with budget friendly Christmas lights. #holidays #lights #handmadeholidays #diy #crafts #homedecor #budgetfriendly #lighting #instalove #ontheblog #linkinprofile A photo posted by Carrie (@makinglemonade) on Nov 11, 2014 at 7:34pm PST And this collage by Urban Outfitters has just enough flash to make it festive: Festive, fun, and super easy: this Collage Holiday Tree DIY couldn't be more perfect for the season. See the UO Blog for the simple step-by-step! #diy #uoaroundyou #holidaydecor #urbanoutfitters Una foto publicada por Urban Outfitters (@urbanoutfitters) el Dic 12, 2014 at 3:09 PST I'd keep up Restoration Hardware's delicate fairy lights up all year long, honestly: Also! Did you know you can DIY your own ping-pong-ball lights? What are you decorations like this year? read more

If you haven't already started your holiday shopping, you're about to. Whether you're looking for that special little something for a friend or tiny gift ideas to put on your own wish list, the presents below would be more than welcome in the stockings on your mantel. read more

Something to know about me: I love the holidays. Like, love, love them. I mean, the temperature has dropped enough to wear layers and layers of cozy knits, all the twinkly lights are going up, and, of course, the Rockettes are back at Radio City Music Hall. What more could you want? Well, if you’re me, you’d also take amazingly toned legs that can deliver world-famous high-kicks, but you can’t have everything. Fortunately, two members of this year’s cast—Sophie Rose Holloway, who’s a rookie, and Brittany Paige Snyder, who’s a five-year veteran—offered to take us along with them on opening night of the 2014 Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Check it out. Sophie Rose Holloway, rookie 9 A.M Today is the day! My first show as a Rockette performing at in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular! I still can’t believe that I’m here and that this is my job! I woke feeling revived and ready for the day. I always ensure that I get 8 to 9 hours sleep because the physical demands of this job require time and rest, for your muscles to repair themselves and allow you to perform at 100 percent. Staying hydrated is also one of read more

“Oh, man, these holiday TV movies. So cheesy, right? They’re, like, for the kind of women who set out to have a book club but mostly end up talking about Harry Connick Jr.” — Me, pre-eggnog The problem with the statement above is that eggnog is nigh, and so is a seasonal lowering of my standards. Sure as I’ll dig up my old An All 4 One Christmas CD (nobody does “What Child Is This” like the boys from Glendale!), I will end up watching at least one holiday movie. If you too have spirits and schmaltzy feelings in your December forecast, then be honest with yourself about it, and enjoy this guide to the month’s most sentimental offerings. Wishin’ and Hopin’ December 6, Lifetime Watch this one if: You once had a weird dream involving Molly Ringwald, Meat Loaf, and Cheri Oteri. Because this is the only other time you’ll ever see them all together. I think Ringwald’s character is supposed to be French, but her accent sounds more Ambien. Debbie Macomber’s Mr. Miracle December 6, Hallmark Watch this one if: You like a good mystery, because after seeing this trailer twice, I don’t have the faintest idea what read more

Whether you start sneaking Christmas playlists before Thanksgiving or save all your caroling for December, it's safe to say that the season for holiday music is officially in full swing. But before you start belting out your "Fa La Las" or "Jingle Bells," make sure you've got the lyrics down pat—to prevent any awkward situations involving shouting random words to the beat (people will notice, even if you're smiling). Here are the top 10 lyrics people foul up the most, according to a survey conducted by Amazon. 10. "We Three Kings of Orient Are" Misquoted lyric: "We three kings of porridge and tar" Correct lyric: "We three kinds of orient are" 9. "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" Misquoted lyric: "Grandma got run over by a reindeer, walking home from outhouse on Christmas Eve" Correct lyric: "Grandma got run over by a reindeer, walking home from our house on Christmas Eve" 8. "Joy to the World" Misquoted lyric: "Joy to the World! The Lord has gum" Correct lyric: "Joy to the World! The Lord has come" 7. "Silent Night" Misquoted lyric: "Round John Virgin, mother and child" Correct lyric: "Round yon virgin, mother and child" 6. "The 12 Days read more

If money were no object, what would you buy your loved ones this holiday season? Better question—what would you buy yourself? Allow us to present you with a bevy of amazing holiday gift options. read more